Philippines Eyes Substituting AstraZeneca for Second-Dose Sputnik V

The Philippines might substitute AstraZeneca as second jab to those inoculated with the first component of Sputnik V if Russia fails to deliver enough second doses of its vaccine, Manila said on Wednesday.

The Russian-made vaccine, said to be 91.6% effective against symptomatic COVID-19, uses two different components for its first and second dose. Both AstraZeneca and Sputnik V are viral vector vaccines.

"Just in case Sputnik (V) was not able to deliver, we can use AstraZeneca as a second dose," said Sec. Carlito Galvez, the Philippines' vaccine czar.

In an earlier interview, Galvez said he met with vaccine experts who approved the mixing of the two COVID-19 vaccine brands.

"Sabi nila once ang supplier ay hindi nakapagbigay sa binigay na grace period for spacing, we can already give AstraZeneca."

Galvez cited possible challenges in production of the second dose when asked about the delay of vaccine supply deliveries.

On July 30, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said mixing the first component of Sputnik V with AstraZeneca's jab revealed no serious side effect in an initial trial involving 50 people.